Despite a pair of power play goals by Lightning prospect Richard Panik, Slovakia could not overcome an initial 4-0 defecit as they fell 5-2 to neighbor Czech Republic. Fellow Lightning prospect Adam Janosik assisted on one of Panik's goals. Panik also took minors for slashing and tripping. Panik and Janosik finished first and second on Team Slovakia in scoring, respectively, for the tournament. That's not half bad. They were also two of the four players on Slovakia to end the WJC's with a plus rating.

Brett Connolly assisted on Quinton Howden's game winning goal in Canada's 4-1 semifinal victory over Team USA. Fellow Lightning prospect Carter Ashton had a minor for slashing in the match. The Canadians dominated the match, outshooting the Americans 41-23 in the contest.

Tomorrow, Slovakia will play the Czech Republic to polish off the relegation round, setting the stage for Wednesday's championship game between the Canadians and semifinal winner Russia, which beat Sweden 4-3 in a shootout today. Sweden will play Team USA for the bronze medal in the match preceeding the championship game.

Carter Ashton assisted on a Casey Cizikas goal that was the first of three unanswered goals in Canada's 4-1 victory over Switzerland. Brayden Schenn once again led the Canadians with a pair of assists. Brett Connolly created multiple scoring chances and hit a crossbar. He played a strong game.

Slovakian captain Richard Panik had a hat trick, with two empty net goals, and a helper while fellow Lightning prospect Adam Janosik added a pair of power play helpers in Slovakia's 5-0 blitzing of Norway. Slovakian netminder Juraj Holly stopped all 37 shots he faced for the shutout. Slovakia was actually outshot 37-31 in the match.

Canada moves on to face Team USA tomorrow in their seemingly annual battle of the titans in the semifinals. Slovakia will face the Czech Republic in a backyard brawl on Tuesday to complete the relegation round slate. Slovakia will finish no worse than second in the relegation round group. Norway will be relegated and it will take a German win against Norway and a Czech loss to Slovakia for the Germans to avoid the same fate.

Minnesota Wild draft pick Erik Haula had a pair of goals as Finland pummelled relegation round-bound Slovakia 6-0. Lightning prospect Adam Janosik was named Slovakia's best player in the defeat. Fellow Lightning prospect Richard Panik took a minor for interference in the match.

Slovakia allowed 2 unanswered goals in the final 5:56 of regulation to fall 6-4 to Switzerland. Lightning prospect Richard Panik, who was named Slovakia's best player in the match, had tied the score at 4-4 earlier in the third period, but it was not enough. The forward also took two penalties for roughing and a minor for slashing in the contest. Fellow Lightning prospect Adam Janosik assisted on Panik's goal. Panik, Slovakia's captain, played on Slovakia's top line and Janosik has consistently been on Slovakia's top pair throughout the tournament.

The loss will likely, and unexpectedly, force Slovakia into the relegation round where they will probably face Germany, Norway, and either Russia or the Czech Republic. Switzerland actually vaulted ahead of Team USA in Pool A with the victory.